Art in the Loop Live Performances Kick-off 816 Day Celebrations

By Jared Campbell, Resident Engagement Project Manager at Downtown Council of Kansas City

This year’s August 16th is shaping up to be the biggest and best 816 Day yet! If you have never heard of 816 Day, it is the Missouri side of our community’s “Area Code Holiday”. Once again this year, the Downtown Council is working with a great group of community partners to offer 816 Day Bingo. But first, the party gets started at the City Market on Saturday, August 16th at 6:00pm for a magical night of music, movement, and soul as Art in the Loop brings together three extraordinary performers who each explore wonder through rhythm, tradition, and self-expression. You can get free tickets for the event here.

True Lions

Led by Al Hawkins, True Lions is a genre-defying trio blending Ozark fiddle traditions with the rhythmic stomp of Cajun flat-footing. With fiddle, upright bass, and guitar, they’ll have you tapping your feet—literally. Their performance celebrates connection across musical cultures, asking: What’s our next step moving forward together with differences?

Jass

Rooted in jazz, blues, and soul—and uplifted by hip-hop and spoken word—this KC musician invites audiences to move, reflect, and connect. With interactive grooves, poetic lyrics, and spontaneous moments, their set reminds us that music is a bridge between past and present, difference and unity.

M.E (Myself Embodied)

Fierce, grounded, and transformative—M.E merges poetry, dance, yoga, and sound into an immersive “Heal Hop” ritual. Her performance invites the audience into self-love, movement, and collective healing. Through raw truth and graceful chaos, M.E turns performance into presence—and presence into power.

816 Day Bingo Cards

While you are at the Art in the Loop performances, pick up your 816 Day Bingo card to start playing community Bingo. The game starts this year on August 16th and goes four weeks to September 13th (913 Day!). The free event invites everyone to explore the vibrant Art in the Loop artwork we have downtown this year along with visiting businesses both old and new. Not only it is a great way to engage with our local community and discover hidden gems, but you will be playing for a chance to win fantastic prizes!

Mark your calendars for August 16th to start your 816 Day Bingo adventure, and be sure to join us for the live performances that will bring our downtown to life. It’s a perfect opportunity to enjoy the arts, support local businesses, and create lasting memories with your community. We can’t wait to see you there!